Tartan Crossing, Tanners Lake Among 2013 Legislative Highlights for Oakdale

The 2013 legislative session was dominated by same-sex marriage, education spending and changes to the state’s tax structure.

But locally, there were also a number of bills that will affect Oakdale.

Sen. Chuck Wiger, a DFLer who represents parts of the city, provided a list of legislation on Friday that impacts Oakdale:

Extension of bill authored in 2008 to make the redevelopment of both the Oakdale Mall and Tanners Lake projects possible.

The city has been able to acquire and demolish the vacant Oakdale Mall and Blackie’s restaurant, enter into a development agreement with Wellington and Ryan Co., and construct the road and public utility system.

This year’s bill will extend the duration of the special tax increment financing district to Dec. 31, 2017, giving the city additional time to finish the redevelopment.

The city is working with Wellington Development on a plan to construct a 154,000 square foot commercial-service and retail space and 120 units of senior housing.

The $670,000 funding gap is filled.

A top Oakdale priority, it is strategically located next to Tanners Lake, 3M and I-94.

Currently, the city is working with Phoenix Development on a plan to construct a 60-unit market rate building, a 3,500 square foot restaurant and 10,000 feet of retail.

Total project cost: $22.5 million: $20 million private investment; $2.5 million public investment.

The $1.7 million funding gap is filled.

3M received a sales tax exemption for construction materials.

Veterans Memorial Parks funding of $80,000.

Four grants will be made to local units of government for veterans memorials.

The local units of government must provide a non-state cash match to equal the amount of the grant. Applications will be made to the Department of Administration.

Opportunity for Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial Committee to continue efforts to finish the dream of creating a beautiful and fitting tribute to veterans and their families.

• Top 2 percent of earners will pay 2% more in state taxes.
• Cigarette tax increase by $1.60 per pack.
• No alcohol taxes.
• No sports memorabilia tax.
• No sales tax on haircuts, auto repairs, other consumer services.
• No sales tax on clothing.

Capital equipment is currently exempt from the sales and use tax, although the exemption is used as a tax refund. This will be an upfront exemption on capital equipment for businesses, effective on all businesses beginning September 1, 2014.

Allows businesses to invest, spurring economic growth and jobs.

Current law discourages business from using the exemption because of the process of submitting a claim.

Supported by both local and state chambers of commerce.

$172 million savings through sales tax exemptions for cities and counties.

No need to raise property taxes to pay sales tax.

This affects all 87 counties, 854 cities and 1,800 townships.

School districts are already exempt.

$441 million dollars in property tax relief for Minnesota families and businesses.

Increase in Local Government Aid.

White Bear Lake will receive an 18.4 percent increase in LGA.

Sales tax exemption for local government units.

• $134 million all-day kindergarten.
• $40 million early education scholarships.
• $40 special education.
• $234 million basic formula increase: $78 and $80 per student fiscal years 2014 and 2015, respectively.
• Substantial education reform: Student achievement levy, achievement and integration aid for Minnesota and better testing.

People can contact Wiger at sen.chuck.wiger@senate.mn or 651-296-6820 for more information.

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